Excitation of smooth muscles isolated from the guinea-pig gastric antrum in response to depolarization

Ca2+ dynamics in interstitial cells: foundational mechanisms for the motor patterns in the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract displays multiple motor patterns that move nutrients and wastes through the body. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) provide the forces necessary for GI motility, but interstitial cells, electrically coupled to SMCs, tune SMC excitability, transduce inputs from enteric motor neurons, and generate pacemaker activity that underlies major motor patterns, such as peristalsis and segmentation. The interstitial cells regulating SMCs are interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)α+ cells. Together these cells form the SIP syncytium. ICC and PDGFRα+ cells express signature Ca2+-dependent conductances: ICC express Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, encoded by Ano1, that generate inward current, and PDGFRα+ cells express Ca2+-activated K+ channels, encoded by Kcnn3, that generate outward current. The open probabilities of interstitial cell conductances are controlled by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. The resulting Ca2+ transients occur spontaneously in a stochastic manner. Ca2+ transients in ICC induce spontaneous transient inward currents and spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs). Neurotransmission increases or decreases Ca2+ transients, and the resulting depolarizing or hyperpolarizing responses conduct to other cells in the SIP syncytium. In pacemaker ICC, STDs activate voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx, which initiates a cluster of Ca2+ transients and sustains activation of ANO1 channels and depolarization during slow waves. Regulation of GI motility has traditionally been described as neurogenic and myogenic. Recent advances in understanding Ca2+ handling mechanisms in interstitial cells and how these mechanisms influence motor patterns of the GI tract suggest that the term "myogenic" should be replaced by the term "SIPgenic," as this review discusses.

Spontaneous Electrical Activity and Rhythmicity in Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscles

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has multifold tasks of ingesting, processing, and assimilating nutrients and disposing of wastes at appropriate times. These tasks are facilitated by several stereotypical motor patterns that build upon the intrinsic rhythmicity of the smooth muscles that generate phasic contractions in many regions of the gut. Phasic contractions result from a cyclical depolarization/repolarization cycle, known as electrical slow waves, which result from intrinsic pacemaker activity. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are electrically coupled to smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and generate and propagate pacemaker activity and slow waves. The mechanism of slow waves is dependent upon specialized conductances expressed by pacemaker ICC. The primary conductances responsible for slow waves in mice are Ano1, Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs), and CaV3.2, T-type, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in ICC appears to be the initiator of pacemaker depolarizations, activation of T-type current provides voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry into ICC, as slow waves propagate through ICC networks, and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and activation of Ano1 in ICC amplifies slow wave depolarizations. Slow waves conduct to coupled SMCs, and depolarization elicited by these events enhances the open-probability of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, promotes Ca2+ entry, and initiates contraction. Phasic contractions timed by the occurrence of slow waves provide the basis for motility patterns such as gastric peristalsis and segmentation. This chapter discusses the properties of ICC and proposed mechanism of electrical rhythmicity in GI muscles.

High-resolution mapping of gastric slow-wave recovery profiles: biophysical model, methodology, and demonstration of applications

Slow waves play a central role in coordinating gastric motor activity. High-resolution mapping of extracellular potentials from the stomach provides spatiotemporal detail on normal and dysrhythmic slow-wave patterns. All mapping studies to date have focused exclusively on tissue activation; however, the recovery phase contains vital information on repolarization heterogeneity, the excitable gap, and refractory tail interactions but has not been investigated. Here, we report a method to identify the recovery phase in slow-wave mapping data. We first developed a mathematical model of unipolar extracellular potentials that result from slow-wave propagation. These simulations showed that tissue repolarization in such a signal is defined by the steepest upstroke beyond the activation phase (activation was defined by accepted convention as the steepest downstroke). Next, we mapped slow-wave propagation in anesthetized pigs by recording unipolar extracellular potentials from a high-resolution array of electrodes on the serosal surface. Following the simulation result, a wavelet transform technique was applied to detect repolarization in each signal by finding the maximum positive slope beyond activation. Activation-recovery (ARi) and recovery-activation (RAi) intervals were then computed. We hypothesized that these measurements of recovery profile would differ for slow waves recorded during normal and spatially dysrhythmic propagation. We found that the ARi of normal activity was greater than dysrhythmic activity (5.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.8 ± 0.7 s; P < 0.05), whereas RAi was lower (9.7 ± 1.3 vs. 12.2 ± 2.5 s; P < 0.05). During normal propagation, RAi and ARi were linearly related with negative unit slope indicating entrainment of the entire mapped region. This relationship was weakened during dysrhythmia (slope: -0.96 ± 0.2 vs -0.71 ± 0.3; P < 0.05).NEW & NOTEWORTHY The theoretical basis of the extracellular gastric slow-wave recovery phase was defined using mathematical modeling. A novel technique utilizing the wavelet transform was developed and validated to detect the extracellular slow-wave recovery phase. In dysrhythmic wavefronts, the activation-to-recovery interval (ARi) was shorter and recovery-to-activation interval (RAi) was longer compared with normal wavefronts. During normal activation, RAi vs. ARi had a slope of -1, whereas the weakening of the slope indicated a dysrhythmic propagation.

Factors which determine the duration of follower potentials in longitudinal smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum

In isolated longitudinal muscle tissues of the guinea-pig stomach antrum, recording electrical responses from smooth muscle cells revealed a periodical generation of follower potentials with variable durations. The I-D relationship, made by plotting the duration as a function of the interval before generating follower potential, was linear. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of chemicals which had been known to modulate the release of Ca(2+) from the internal stores (2-aminoethoxy-diphenyl-borate, cyclopiazonic acid, caffeine), inhibit mitochondrial metabolic activity (m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, potassium cyanide, rotenone), inhibit ATP-sensitive K-channels distributed in mitochondria (glibenclamide, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid) and inhibit the activity of proteinkinase C (chelerythrine), on the I-D relationship of follower potentials. The effects of depolarization on follower potentials were assessed by stimulating tissues with high potassium solution. Experiments were carried out mainly in the presence of nifedipine which minimized the movements of muscles with no modulation of follower potentials. Cycropiazonic acid and caffeine reduced the slope of I-D relationship, with associated reduction of the duration and frequency of follower potentials. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate reduced the duration and amplitude and increased the frequency of follower potentials, with depolarization of the membrane, and the effects were simulated by high potassium solution. m-Chlorophenyl hydrazone, potassium cyanide, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, rotenone, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid and glibenclamide reduced the slope of I-D relationship, with associated reduction of the frequency of follower potentials. Chelerythrine did not modulate the slope of I-D relationship, with reduced frequency of follower potentials. It seemed likely that the amount of Ca(2+) released from the internal stores and also mitochondrial function had causal relationship to the duration of pacemaker potentials, suggesting that internal Ca-stores and mitochondria are taking the central role for determining the duration of the pacemaker activity. Proteinkinase C did not seem to participate to the function of mitochondria and internal Ca(2+) stores.

A Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance in interstitial cells of Cajal linked to slow wave currents and pacemaker activity

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are unique cells that generate electrical pacemaker activity in gastrointestinal (GI) muscles. Many previous studies have attempted to characterize the conductances responsible for pacemaker current and slow waves in the GI tract, but the precise mechanism of electrical rhythmicity is still debated. We used a new transgenic mouse with a bright green fluorescent protein (copGFP) constitutively expressed in ICC to facilitate study of these cells in mixed cell dispersions. We found that ICC express a specialized 'slow wave' current. Reversal of tail current analysis showed this current was due to a Cl(-) selective conductance. ICC express ANO1, a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel. Slow wave currents are not voltage dependent, but a secondary voltage-dependent process underlies activation of these currents. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+), replacement of Ca(2+) with Ba(2+), or extracellular Ni(2+) (30 microm) blocked the slow wave current. Single Ca(2+)-activated Cl() channels with a unitary conductance of 7.8 pS were resolved in excised patches of ICC. These are similar in conductance to ANO1 channels (8 pS) expressed in HEK293 cells. Slow wave current was blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by niflumic acid (IC(50) = 4.8 microm). Slow wave currents are associated with transient depolarizations of ICC in current clamp, and these events were blocked by niflumic acid. These findings demonstrate a role for a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance in slow wave current in ICC and are consistent with the idea that ANO1 participates in pacemaker activity.

A Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance in interstitial cells of Cajal linked to slow wave currents and pacemaker activity

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are unique cells that generate electrical pacemaker activity in gastrointestinal (GI) muscles. Many previous studies have attempted to characterize the conductances responsible for pacemaker current and slow waves in the GI tract, but the precise mechanism of electrical rhythmicity is still debated. We used a new transgenic mouse with a bright green fluorescent protein (copGFP) constitutively expressed in ICC to facilitate study of these cells in mixed cell dispersions. We found that ICC express a specialized 'slow wave' current. Reversal of tail current analysis showed this current was due to a Cl(-) selective conductance. ICC express ANO1, a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel. Slow wave currents are not voltage dependent, but a secondary voltage-dependent process underlies activation of these currents. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+), replacement of Ca(2+) with Ba(2+), or extracellular Ni(2+) (30 microm) blocked the slow wave current. Single Ca(2+)-activated Cl() channels with a unitary conductance of 7.8 pS were resolved in excised patches of ICC. These are similar in conductance to ANO1 channels (8 pS) expressed in HEK293 cells. Slow wave current was blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by niflumic acid (IC(50) = 4.8 microm). Slow wave currents are associated with transient depolarizations of ICC in current clamp, and these events were blocked by niflumic acid. These findings demonstrate a role for a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) conductance in slow wave current in ICC and are consistent with the idea that ANO1 participates in pacemaker activity.

Regional differences in the frequency of slow waves in smooth muscle of the guinea-pig stomach

The frequency of slow waves recorded from circular muscle bundles with attached longitudinal muscle (intact muscle) was compared with that of slow potentials recorded from isolated circular muscle bundles (isolated muscle) from the guinea-pig stomach. In intact muscle preparations, slow waves were generated in the corpus, antrum and pylorus with a higher frequency in the corpus (about 5 min(-1)) than the other regions (about 2 min(-1) in antrum, about 1.5 min(-1) in pylorus). The resting potential amplitude was graded across the stomach, at about -50 mV in the fundus, -60 mV in the corpus, -65 mV in the antrum and -70 mV in the pylorus. A similar distribution of resting membrane potential and slow potential frequency was also observed in isolated muscle bundles from the different regions. Caffeine (1 mM) abolished slow waves in some corpus preparations and inhibited the 2nd component of slow waves in the antrum and pylorus, and also abolished slow potentials in isolated muscle preparations from any region of the stomach. This suggests that myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) are heterogeneously distributed in the stomach (pylorus, antrum and part of the corpus regions), with a homogeneous distribution of muscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) within the circular muscle bundles. The frequency of slow potentials in smooth muscle isolated from any region of the stomach changed linearly in response to membrane potential changes produced by either current injection or high potassium solutions. The frequency of slow potentials after setting the membrane potential at -60 mV was larger in the corpus than the antrum, suggesting that the high frequency discharge of corpus muscle is produced by the low membrane potential and additional unidentified factors. We suggest that the regional difference in slow wave discharge is produced mainly by ICC-IM, and the role of ICC-MY may be little, if any.

Cellular mechanism of the voltage-dependent change in slow potentials generated in circular smooth muscle of the guinea-pig gastric corpus

The cellular mechanism of the voltage-dependent properties of slow potentials were investigated in single bundles of circular smooth muscle isolated from the gastric corpus of guinea-pig using conventional microelectrode recordings. Hyperpolarization of the membrane by current injection decreased the frequency and increased the amplitude of slow potentials linearly. At potentials negative of -80 mV, slow potential generation was abolished and a periodic generation of clustered unitary potentials was evident. Application of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 20 microM) or thapsigargin (1 microM; inhibitors of Ca(2+)-ATPase), carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP, 0.1 microM; mitochondrial protonophore) or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 20 microM; inhibitor of IP(3) receptor-mediated Ca(2+) release) depolarized the membrane and reduced or inhibited the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials: repolarization of the membrane to the resting level by current injection resulted in a recovery of the amplitude of slow potentials in the presence of CPA or CCCP, but not 2-APB. The slow potentials abolished by thapsigargin did not recover upon membrane repolarization. The altered frequency of slow potentials by 2-APB, CPA or CCCP was not reversed by membrane repolarization to control potentials. Depolarization of the membrane by about 10 mV with high-potassium solution also reduced the amplitude and increased the frequency of slow potentials in a manner restored by repolarization to control potentials upon current injection, suggesting that membrane depolarization did not affect the voltage dependency of pacemaker activity. The results indicate that in corpus circular muscles the voltage dependency of the frequency and amplitude of slow potentials requires a functional Ca(2+) store and mitochondria.

Voltage-gated Ca2+ currents are necessary for slow-wave propagation in the canine gastric antrum

Electrical slow waves determine the timing and force of peristaltic contractions in the stomach. Slow waves originate from a dominant pacemaker in the orad corpus and propagate actively around and down the stomach to the pylorus. The mechanism of slow-wave propagation is controversial. We tested whether Ca(2+) entry via a voltage-dependent, dihydropyridine-resistant Ca(2+) conductance is necessary for active propagation in canine gastric antral muscles. Muscle strips cut parallel to the circular muscle were studied with intracellular electrophysiological techniques using a partitioned-chamber apparatus. Slow-wave upstroke velocity and plateau amplitude decreased from the greater to the lesser curvature, and this corresponded to a decrease in the density of interstitial cells of Cajal in the lesser curvature. Slow-wave propagation velocity between electrodes impaling cells in two regions of muscle and slow-wave upstroke and plateau were measured in response to experimental conditions that reduce the driving force for Ca(2+) entry or block voltage-dependent Ca(2+) currents. Nicardipine (0.1-1 microM) did not affect slow-wave upstroke or propagation velocities. Upstroke velocity, amplitude, and propagation velocity were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by Ni(2+) (1-100 microM), mibefradil (10-30 microM), and reduced extracellular Ca(2+) (0.5-1.5 mM). Depolarization (by 10-15 mM K(+)) or hyperpolarization (10 microM pinacidil) also reduced upstroke and propagation velocities. The higher concentrations (or lowest Ca(2+)) of these drugs and ionic conditions tested blocked slow-wave propagation. Treatment with cyclopiazonic acid to empty Ca(2+) stores did not affect propagation. These experiments show that voltage-dependent Ca(2+) entry is obligatory for the upstroke phase of slow waves and active propagation.

Kit mutants and gastrointestinal physiology

There has been considerable speculation about the function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) since their discovery more than 100 years ago. It has been difficult to study these cells under native conditions, but great insights about the function of ICC have come from studies of genetic models with loss-of function mutations in the Kit signalling pathway. First it was discovered that signalling via Kit (a receptor tyrosine kinase) was vital for the development and maintenance of the ICC phenotype in gastrointestinal (GI) muscles. In compound heterozygotes (W/W(V) and Sl/Sl(d) animals), where there are partial loss-of-function mutations in Kit receptors or Kit ligand (stem cell factor), ICC failed to develop in various regions of the GI tract, but no major changes in the smooth muscle layers or enteric nervous system occurred in the absence of these cells. Animals with these mutations provided an unprecedented opportunity to understand the role of ICC in GI motor function, and it is now clear from these studies that ICC serve as: (i) pacemaker cells, generating the spontaneous electrical rhythms of the gut known as slow waves; (ii) a propagation pathway for slow waves so that large areas of the musculature can be entrained to a dominant pacemaker frequency; (iii) mediators of excitatory cholinergic and inhibitory nitrergic neural inputs from the enteric nervous system, and (iv) stretch receptors that modulate membrane potential and electrical slow wave frequency. This review describes the use of genetic models to understand the important physiological role of ICC in the GI tract.

Factors modifying the frequency of spontaneous activity in gastric muscle

The cellular mechanisms that determine the frequency of spontaneous activity were investigated in gastric smooth muscles isolated from the guinea-pig. Intact antral muscle generated slow waves periodically; the interval between slow waves was decreased exponentially by depolarization of the membrane to reach a steady interval value of about 7 s. Isolated circular muscle bundles produced slow potentials spontaneously or were evoked by depolarizing current stimuli. Evoked slow potentials appeared in an all-or-none fashion, with a refractory period of approximately 2-3 s. Low concentrations of chemicals that modify intracellular signalling revealed that the refractory period was causally related to the activity of protein kinase C (PKC). Activation of PKC increased and inhibition of PKC activity decreased the frequency of slow potentials. Chemicals that inhibit mitochondrial functions reduced the frequency of slow waves. Inhibition of internal Ca(2+)-store activity decreased the amplitude, but not the frequency of slow potentials, suggesting that the amplitude is causally related to Ca(2+) release from the internal store. The results suggest that changes in [Ca(2+)](i) caused by the activity of mitochondria may play a key role in determining the frequency of spontaneous activity in gastric pacemaker cells.

Electrical events underlying organized myogenic contractions of the guinea pig stomach

The stomach generates a characteristic pattern of coordinated activity whereby rings of contraction regularly start in the corpus and migrate slowly down the stomach to the duodenum. This behaviour persists after isolating the stomach and after blocking nervous activity; hence the response is myogenic, resulting from organized contractions of smooth muscle cells lying in the stomach wall. Each ring of contraction is triggered by a long lasting wave of depolarization, termed a slow wave. Slow waves are now known to be generated by sets of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which intermingle with gastric smooth muscle cells. This article describes some studies which identify the roles played by ICC in the on-going generation of coordinated gastric movements. Intramuscular ICC in the corpus generate slow waves and these provide the dominant pacemaker frequency in the stomach. Corporal slow waves, in turn, activate a network of myenteric ICC, which starts in the antrum and slowly conducts waves of depolarization down the stomach. As these waves pass over bundles of circularly orientated muscle cells, they activate a set of intramuscular ICC which lie in the circular muscle layer: these generate slow waves that rapidly spread radially, so triggering each ring of contraction.

Metabolic component of the temperature-sensitivity of slow waves recorded from gastric muscle of the guinea-pig

The effects of changes in temperature on slow waves were investigated in smooth muscle tissues isolated from the guinea-pig gastric antrum. Within the range 24 degrees C to 42 degrees C, elevation of temperature increased the frequency and maximum rate of rise of the upstroke phase (dV/dt) of slow waves and decreased their duration, with no alteration to amplitude or resting membrane potential. These observations also applied to follower potentials and pacemaker potentials recorded from longitudinal muscle and myenteric interstitial cells, respectively. Slow waves were comprised of 1st and 2nd components, and the latency for generating the 2nd component was decreased exponentially by elevating temperature, reaching a stable value of about 1 s above 32 degrees C. The temperature coefficient was >2 for the frequency, dV/dt and latency of the 2nd component, about 1.7 for the duration and about 1 for amplitude. Potassium cyanide (KCN), an inhibitor of mitochondrial metabolic activity, reduced the frequency and duration of slow waves, with no alteration to other parameters (amplitude, dV/dt, latency). In the presence of 30 microM KCN, the temperature-dependency of the frequency of slow waves was diminished or abolished, while other parameters of slow waves remained unaltered. These results indicate that in slow waves the frequency may be related to metabolic activities, while the temperature-dependent changes in the dV/dt, latency for the 2nd component and duration of slow waves are produced largely by mechanisms other than metabolic activity.

Interstitial cells of cajal as pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract

In the gastrointestinal tract, phasic contractions are caused by electrical activity termed slow waves. Slow waves are generated and actively propagated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The initiation of pacemaker activity in the ICC is caused by release of Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor-operated stores, uptake of Ca2+ into mitochondria, and the development of unitary currents. Summation of unitary currents causes depolarization and activation of a dihydropyridine-resistant Ca2+ conductance that entrains pacemaker activity in a network of ICC, resulting in the active propagation of slow waves. Slow wave frequency is regulated by a variety of physiological agonists and conditions, and shifts in pacemaker dominance can occur in response to both neural and nonneural inputs. Loss of ICC in many human motility disorders suggests exciting new hypotheses for the etiology of these disorders.

The distribution of PKC isoforms in enteric neurons, muscle and interstitial cells of the human intestine

In many organs, different protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are expressed in specific cell types, suggesting that the different PKCs have cell-specific roles, and also that drugs acting on a particular PKC may have effects on the whole organ that are distinguishable from drugs that target other isoforms. Previous studies of the guinea-pig and mouse intestine indicate that there are cell-specific expressions of PKC isoforms in neurons, muscle and the interstitial cells of Cajal. In the present study we have investigated the expression of different PKCs in human intestine. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the forms that are prominent in human enteric neurons are PKCs gamma and epsilon and in muscle the dominant form is PKCdelta. Neurons were weakly stained for PKCbetaI. These observations parallel findings in guinea-pig and mouse, except that in human PKCgamma-IR was not present in the same types of neurons that express it in the guinea-pig. Enteric glial cells were strongly immunoreactive for PKCalpha, which is also the major isoform in enteric glial cells of guinea-pig. In human and guinea-pig, glial cells also express PKCbetaI. Spindle-shaped cells in the mucosa were immunoreactive for PKCalpha and PKCgamma and in the muscle layers similar cells had PKCgamma-IR and PKCtheta-IR. The spindle-shaped cells were similar in morphology to interstitial cells of Cajal. Western analysis and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of the PKC isoform proteins and mRNA in the tissue. We conclude that there is cell-type specific expression of different PKCs in enteric neurons and intestinal muscle in human tissue, and that there are strong similarities in patterns of expression between laboratory animals and human, but some clear differences are also observed.

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine on electrical responses of circular smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig gastric antrum

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on electrical responses of the membrane were investigated in circular smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum. Small segment of circular muscle tissue produced a periodical generation of slow potentials at frequency of 0.1-2 cycles min(-1), during random generation of unitary potentials. Application of 5-HT (10(-7)-10(-5) M) hyperpolarized the membrane and either increased or decreased the frequency of slow potentials, both with associated increase in amplitude of slow potential. These effects of 5-HT were abolished by methysergide. N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) increased the frequency of spontaneously generated slow potentials and also increased the frequency of slow potentials generated during stimulation with 5-HT, suggesting an involvement of the increased production of nitric oxide (NO) by 5-HT. Atropine did not alter spontaneous and 5-HT-induced electrical responses. The hyperpolarization produced by 5-HT was associated with a decrease in input resistance and time constant of the membrane. The amplitude of the 5-HT-induced hyperpolarization was increased in low [K(+)](o) solution and decreased in high [K(+)](o) solution or in the presence of glybenclamide, suggesting that the hyperpolarization was produced by activation of ATP-sensitive K-channels. The increase in amplitude of slow potentials by 5-HT may be secondary due to hyperpolarization of the membrane. The inhibition by 5-HT of the frequency of slow potentials may be partly due to the increased release of NO, however the mechanism by which dual effects of 5-HT on the frequency of slow potentials remains unsolved.

Atypical slow waves generated in gastric corpus provide dominant pacemaker activity in guinea pig stomach

When intracellular recordings were made from the circular layer of the intact muscular wall of the isolated guinea pig gastric corpus, an ongoing regular high frequency discharge of slow waves was detected even though this region lacked myenteric interstitial cells. When slow waves were recorded from preparations consisting of both the antrum and the corpus, slow waves of identical frequency, but with different shapes, were generated in the two regions. Corporal slow waves could be distinguished from antral slow waves by their time courses and amplitudes. Corporal slow waves, like antral slow waves, were abolished by buffering the internal concentration of calcium ions, [Ca2+]i, to low levels, or by caffeine, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate or the chloride channel blocker DIDS. Corporal preparations demonstrated an ongoing discharge of unitary potentials, as has been found in all other tissues containing interstitial cells. The experiments show that the corpus provides the dominant pacemaker activity which entrains activity in other regions of the stomach and it is suggested that this activity is generated by corporal intramuscular interstitial cells.

Dual concentration-dependent effects of phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate on spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced electrical responses recorded from isolated circular smooth muscle of the guinea-pig stomach antrum

Intracellular recordings of electrical activity were made from circular smooth muscle cells in small segments of tissue isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum. Every cell that was impaled exhibited a rhythmic generation of slow potentials. Experiments were carried out to test the effects of three different concentrations (1, 10 and 100 nM) of phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) on these slow potentials and on the responses produced by acetylcholine (ACh), in the presence of nifedipine and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (nitroarginine), known inhibitors of L-type Ca-channels and nitric oxide synthase, respectively. The resting membrane potential was -62 +/- 7 mV, while the frequency and amplitude of the slow potentials were 1.6 +/- 0.1 cycle per min (cpm) and 33 +/- 1 mV, respectively. Application of 1 nM PDBu increased the frequency of slow potentials, with no significant change in the membrane potential and amplitude of slow potentials. At a concentration of 100 nM, PDBu depolarized the membrane by about 6 mV, and either decreased the amplitude and frequency of the slow potentials or abolished them. The amplitude and frequency of the slow potentials were not significantly changed in the presence of 10 nM PDBu. In the presence of chelerythrine (1-2 microM), a known inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), the increase in frequency of slow potentials by 1 nM PDBu and depolarization produced by 100 nM PDBu were not elicited. The increase in frequency of slow potentials by 100 nM ACh was inhibited by PDBu, in a concentration-dependent manner, and ACh-responses were abolished in the presence of 100 nM PDBu. These results indicate that PDBu has dual actions on the spontaneous activity of antral circular muscle, with low concentrations increasing and high concentrations inhibiting the frequency of the slow potentials. The former may be produced by activation of protein kinase C (PKC). As the ACh-induced excitation of slow potentials is inhibited by PDBu, a possible causal relationship between the inhibition and over-activation of PKC is considered.

Effects of endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide on electrical responses of circular smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum

The effects of endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on electrical activity were investigated in circular smooth muscle preparations isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum. The actions of endogenous NO were evaluated from the effects of inhibition of NO synthesis by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (nitroarginine), while those of exogenous NO were assessed from the effects of SIN-1, an NO donor. Antral circular smooth muscle generated slow potentials periodically at a frequency of about 1 cycle per min (cpm), and unitary potentials were also generated in a random fashion in the interval between slow potentials. Application of nitroarginine (10(-5) M) increased the frequency of slow potentials, with no significant alteration of the resting membrane potential and amplitude of slow potentials. Frequency analysis of unitary potentials revealed that nitroarginine also increased the spectral density at 0.01-1 Hz frequency. The refractory period for the generation of slow potentials evoked by depolarizing pulses was about 10 s, but was decreased to 6 s by nitroarginine. In the presence of nitroarginine, SIN-1 (10(-9)-10(-7) M) reduced the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials: low concentrations (<10(-8) M) reduced only the frequency of slow potentials, while higher concentrations (10(-8)-10(-7) M) reduced both the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials, in a concentration-dependent manner, before abolishing the slow potentials. The power spectrum of the unitary potentials indicated that SIN-1 (>10(-8) M) reduced the spectral density at 0.01-1 Hz frequency. The refractory period for the generation of slow potentials was increased again to about 10 s by SIN-1. Thus, the excitatory effects of nitroarginine could be antagonized by SIN-1, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of endogenous NO are comparable to those of exogenous NO produced by SIN-1. The results also suggested that the effects of NO on smooth muscle are insignificant and NO selectively inhibits the activity of intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM).

Inhibitory actions of cilostazol on electrical responses of smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum

We have investigated the effects of cilostazol, a type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on the electrical responses of smooth muscle tissue isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum. Cilostazol (10(-5) M) inhibited slow waves recorded from circular muscle cells, but did not significantly alter the pacemaker potentials and follower potentials recorded from myenteric interstitial cells and longitudinal muscle cells respectively. Slow potentials generated in isolated circular muscle bundles without attached myenteric interstitial cells were inhibited by cilostazol (>10(-7) M), while all membrane activities were abolished by 10(-5) M cilostazol. In circular muscle bundles, the input resistance of smooth muscle cells and the refractory period for the generation of slow potentials were not altered during the inhibition of spontaneous activity with cilostazol. While cilostazol at 10(-7) and 10(-6) M did not elevate the tissue content of cyclic AMP, at 10(-5) M cyclic AMP was elevated by about 30%. A similar elevation was also produced by 10(-7) M forskolin. The content of cyclic AMP was not significantly increased in preparations stimulated with 10(-3) M caffeine. The potency for inhibiting slow waves was in the order caffeine (10(-3) M) > forskolin (10(-7) M) > cilostazol (10(-5) M). The frequency of slow waves was decreased by caffeine or forskolin but not by cilostazol, while the duration was reduced by caffeine but not by cilostazol or forskolin. Follower potentials were modulated by caffeine and forskolin, but not by cilostazol: the duration was reduced by caffeine, the frequency was reduced by caffeine or forskolin, and the amplitude was not significantly altered by any of them. The results indicate that cilostazol has high selectivity in inhibiting the activity of circular muscle much more than that of longitudinal muscle or pacemaker cells, with no causal relation to the tissue content of cyclic AMP as appears to be the case for the inhibitory actions of caffeine and forskolin.

Effects of inhibitors of nonselective cation channels on the acetylcholine-induced depolarization of circular smooth muscle from the guinea-pig stomach antrum

In circular smooth muscle bundles isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum, the effects of quinidine, Ni2+, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, La3+, SKF-96365 and 4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced depolarization were investigated. Recording membrane potentials from smooth muscle cells with intracellular microelectrodes revealed that ACh (1 microM) depolarized the membrane by 5-8 mV and increased the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials. These effects were inhibited by atropine. Quinidine (10 microM) increased the amplitude of ACh-induced depolarization, with no alteration to the properties of slow potentials. Ni2+ (50 microM) transiently (5-10 min) depolarized the membrane by about 5 mV, with an associated increase in frequency and amplitude of slow potentials. In the stabilized condition with Ni2+, the amplitude of ACh-induced depolarization remained unchanged. Flufenamic acid (10 microM) inhibited the generation of slow potentials, with no change in either the amplitude of ACh-induced depolarization or of the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials generated during ACh stimulation. A high concentration of flufenamic acid (100 microM) depolarized the membrane and increased the amplitude of ACh-induced depolarization. Niflumic acid (10 microM) hyperpolarized the membrane and increased the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials and also the amplitude of ACh-induced depolarization. DIDS (100 microM) hyperpolarized the membrane and inhibited the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials, with no alteration to the amplitude of ACh-induced depolarization. SKF-96365 (3-50 microM) depolarized the membrane in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not change the level of ACh-induced depolarization. La3+ (50 microM) did not alter the properties of the slow potentials or the ACh-induced responses. These results provide evidence that ACh-induced depolarization is not inhibited by chemicals known to inhibit non-selective cation channels. We suggest that muscarinic receptor-mediated signal transduction may be different in smooth muscle and interstitial cells.

Role of protein kinase C in the excitatory action of cholinergic nerve stimulation on spontaneous activity of circular smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig stomach antrum

Following inhibition of NO production with nitroarginine, circular muscle isolated from the guinea-pig gastric antrum generated periodic slow potentials and unitary potentials. Transmural nerve stimulation (TNS) during the interval between slow potentials evoked an apamin-sensitive inhibitory junction potential (IJP) followed by an atropine-sensitive depolarization; the latter was either a transient depolarization with enhanced generation of unitary potentials or a slow potential. After inhibition of unitary potentials and slow potentials with 1 mM caffeine, TNS evoked an IJP and subsequent cholinergic depolarization, the latter developing slowly and lasting for about 10 s. TNS was unable to elicit a slow potential until a certain period of time had elapsed following the cessation of a slow potential. The period during which TNS could not evoke slow potentials (termed the high-threshold period) was about 10 s, and this period was increased by chelerythrine and decreased by phorbol esters. It is concluded that cholinergic nerve-mediated excitation of gastric muscle involves the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), and that the high-threshold period, during which the generation of slow potentials by TNS is inhibited, may be a consequence of reduced activity of PKC.

Activation of osteoblastic functions by a mediator of pain, bradykinin

We investigated the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and prostaglandin PGE(2), whose molecules are capable of stimulating the development of osteoclasts from their hematopoietic precursors as well as the signal transduction systems involved, in human osteoblasts (SaM-1 cells). BK receptors B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R) were expressed in SaM-1 and osteosarcoma (SaOS-2, HOS, and MG-63) cells. Treatment of SaM-1 cells with BK increased the synthesis of both IL-6 and PGE(2) and the increase in both was blocked by HOE140 (B2R antagonist), but not by Des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]-BK (B1R antagonist). U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, suppressed BK-induced IL-6 and PGE(2) synthesis in SaM-1 cells. In addition, BK caused an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), which was inhibited by pretreatment with HOE140 or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor (IP(3)R) blocker. Furthermore, both SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]) and PD98059 (an inhibitor of MEK, upstream of ERK) attenuated the BK-induced IL-6 and PGE(2) synthesis. BK treatment resulted in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and 2-APB could suppress BK-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These findings suggest that BK increased both IL-6 and PGE(2) synthesis in osteoblastic cells via B2R and that PLC, IP(3)-induced [Ca(2+)]i, MEK, and MAPKs were involved in the signal transduction in these cells.

Role of interstitial cells of Cajal in the control of gastric motility

Most regions of the gastrointestinal tract generate spontaneous electrical and mechanical activity in the absence of stimulation. When electrical recordings are made from slow muscle cells lying in the gastrointestinal tract, a regular discharge of long lasting waves of depolarization, slow waves, is detected. It has recently become apparent that slow waves are generated by a specialized population of smooth muscle cells, known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). ICC can be subdivided into at least two separate groups. In most regions of the gastrointestinal tract, one group of ICC form a network that generates pacemaker potentials, so producing rhythmical membrane potential changes in the adjacent muscle layers. The second group of ICC are distributed amongst the smooth muscle cells and are tightly electrically coupled to them. In some regions of the gut, the second group of ICC augment the waves of pacemaker depolarization, so ensuring that voltage-dependent calcium channels in the smooth muscles are activated during each slow wave cycle. In addition, the second group of ICC are densely innervated by inhibitory and excitatory nerve terminals. Thus intrinsic nerve terminals, rather than communicating directly with smooth muscle cells, selectively innervate ICC and release transmitters directly onto them. The signals that are generated in the ICC, by the neurally released transmitters, then alter the activity of surrounding smooth muscle cells.

Spontaneous activity and its cholinergic modulation in circular smooth muscle isolated from guinea-pig stomach antrum

Circular smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig gastric antrum generated periodic slow potentials in the presence of nifedipine and nitroarginine to prevent the activity of voltage-gated L-type Ca-channels and endogenous production of NO respectively. Chelerythrine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), in the concentration range 10(-7)-3 x 10(-7) M reduced the frequency but not the amplitude of spontaneous slow potentials without altering the resting membrane potential. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 3 x 10(-6) M), an inhibitor at inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptors, depolarized the membrane, increased the frequency and reduced the amplitude of the slow potentials; the latter actions were independent of depolarization. Two different phorbol esters, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, increased the frequency of slow potentials, without altering the amplitude or changing the resting membrane potential; the effects of phorbol esters were antagonized by chelerythrine. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors with acetylcholine (ACh), in concentrations below those causing membrane depolarization (3 x 10(-8)-10(-7) M), increased the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials. Chelerythrine inhibited the ACh-induced increase in the frequency of slow potentials but did not prevent the increase in their amplitude. 2-APB inhibited the ACh-induced increase in the amplitude of slow potentials but did not prevent the increase in their frequency. These results suggest that the frequency of spontaneous slow potentials is regulated by PKC and their amplitude by IP(3) production. ACh increases both the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials; the former is related to the activation of PKC, while the latter is related to activation of IP(3)-receptors.

Properties of unitary potentials generated by intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal in the murine and guinea-pig gastric fundus

Intracellular recordings were made from isolated bundles of the circular muscle layer of mouse and guinea-pig gastric fundus. These preparations displayed an ongoing discharge of membrane noise (unitary potentials), similar to that recorded from similar preparations made from the circular layer of the antrum. Bundles of muscle from the fundus of W/W(V) mice, which lack intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC(IM)) lacked the discharge of membrane noise observed in wild-type tissues. When the membrane potential was changed by passing depolarizing or hyperpolarizing current pulses, the discharge of membrane noise was little changed. The membrane noise was unaffected by adding chloride channel blockers; however, agents which buffered the internal concentration of calcium ions reduced the discharge of membrane noise. Treatment of tissues with CCCP, which interferes with the uptake of calcium ions by mitochondria, also reduced the membrane noise and caused membrane hyperpolarization. Similar observations were made on bundles of tissue isolated from the circular layer of the guinea pig antrum. Together the observations indicate that membrane noise is generated by a pathway located in ICC(IM). The properties of this pathway appear to vary dramatically within a given organ. The lack of voltage sensitivity of the discharge of membrane noise in the fundus provides a possible explanation for the lack of rhythmic electrical activity in this region of the stomach.

An analysis of inhibitory junction potentials in the guinea-pig proximal colon

Intracellular recordings were made from either sheets or isolated bundles of the circular muscle layer of guinea-pig proximal colon and the responses evoked by stimulating inhibitory nerve fibres were analysed. Inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs), evoked by single stimuli, had two components which could be separated on their pharmacological and temporal characteristics and their voltage sensitivities. The initial component, which was abolished by apamin and reduced in amplitude by pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS), had a brief time course: its amplitude was changed when the external concentration of potassium ions ([K+](o)) was changed. The second component of the IJP had a slower onset than the first component, was abolished by l-nitroarginine (NOLA) and oxadiazolo quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase: its amplitude was little affected by changing [K+](o) and was increased when the membrane potential of the circular layer was hyperpolarized. The observations suggest that the initial component of the IJP results from the release of ATP which triggers an increase in membrane conductance to K+ and that the second component results from the release of nitric oxide which suppresses a background inward current.

[Cellular mechanism of the generation of spontaneous activity in gastric muscle]

In gastric smooth muscles, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) might be the pacemaker cells of spontaneous activities since ICC are rich in mitochondria and are connected with smooth muscle cells via gap junctions. Several types of ICC are distributed widely in the stomach wall. A group of ICC distributed in the myenteric layer (ICC-MY) were the pacemaker cells of gastrointestinal smooth muscles. Pacemaker potentials were generated in ICC-MY, and the potentials were conducted to circular smooth muscles to trigger slow waves and also conducted to longitudinal muscles to form follower potentials. In circular muscle preparations, interstitial cells distributed within muscle bundles (ICC-IM) produced unitary potentials, which were conducted to circular muscles to form slow potentials by summation. In mutant mice lacking inositol trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor, slow waves were absent in gastric smooth muscles. The generation of spontaneous activity was impaired by the inhibition of Ca(2+)-release from internal stores through IP(3) receptors, inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+)-handling with proton pump inhibitors, and inhibition of ATP-sensitive K(+)-channels at the mitochondrial inner membrane. These results suggested that mitochondrial Ca(2+)-handling causes the generation of spontaneous activity in pacemaker cells. Possible involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in the Ca(2+) signaling system was also suggested.

Protein kinases expressed by interstitial cells of Cajal

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are involved in the generation of electrical rhythmicity of intestinal muscle and in the transduction of neural inputs in the gut. Although the expression of receptors for neurotransmitters and hormones and some second messengers have been investigated in ICC, the protein kinases present in these cells have not been well documented. This study has demonstrated the immunohistochemical localisation of PKA, PKC gamma and PKC theta in ICC that were identified by the known ICC marker, c-Kit, in the guinea-pig gut. Other PKCs, PKC alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, eta, iota and lambda, and Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II were not localised in ICC. Double labelling studies were conducted on longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus and external muscle-myenteric plexus preparations of the oesophagus, stomach (fundus, corpus and antrum), duodenum, distal ileum, caecum, proximal and distal colon, and rectum. The three protein kinases were detected in c-Kit-immunoreactive ICC at the level of the myenteric plexus (IC-MY), in the muscle (IC-IM) and at the level of the deep muscular plexus (IC-DMP) in the small intestine. PKA was found in over 90% of IC-IM in all regions examined, and in over 90% of IC-MY in the gastric body and antrum and throughout the small and large intestines. PKC gamma was in the majority of ICC in the gastric body and antrum and in the small intestine, but was largely absent from ICC in the oesophagus, proximal stomach and large intestine. PKC theta occurred in the majority of ICC in all regions except the rectum. The intensity of staining was greatest for PKA, with PKC gamma giving comparatively weak labelling of ICC. PKA was also detected in myenteric neurons, smooth muscle, macrophages and fibroblast-like cells. PKC gamma labelling occurred in large, multipolar neurons throughout the small and large intestine, as well as in lymph vessels and in capillaries. It is concluded that PKA, PKC gamma and PKC theta are all present in ICC, with the differences in their localisations suggesting specific roles for each in ICC function.

Properties of pacemaker potentials recorded from myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal distributed in the mouse small intestine

Recording of electrical responses from isolated small intestine of mice using conventional microelectrodes revealed two types of potential, a pacemaker potential and a slow wave, both with rapid rising primary components and following plateau components. The rate of rise and peak amplitude were greater for pacemaker potentials than for slow waves, and the plateau component was smaller in slow waves than in pacemaker potentials. Both potentials oscillated at a similar frequency (20-30 min-1). Unitary potentials often discharged during the interval between pacemaker potentials. Infusion of Lucifer Yellow allowed visualization of the recorded cells; pacemaker potentials were recorded from myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) while slow waves were recorded from circular smooth muscle cells. Pacemaker potentials were characterized as follows: the primary component was inhibited by Ni2+, Ca2+-free solution or depolarization with high-K+ solution, the plateau component was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS), an inhibitor of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, low [Cl-]o solution or Ca2+-free solution, and the generation of potentials was abolished by co-application of Ni2+and DIDS or by chelating intracellular Ca2+ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM). These results indicate that in the mouse small intestine ICC-MY generate pacemaker potentials with two components in situ; the primary and plateau components may be generated by activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+-permeable channels and Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, respectively. Slow waves are generated in circular smooth muscles via electrotonic spread of pacemaker potentials. These properties of intestinal pacemaker potentials are considered essentially similar to those of gastric pacemaker potentials.

Interstitial cells: involvement in rhythmicity and neural control of gut smooth muscle

Many smooth muscles display spontaneous electrical and mechanical activity, which persists in the absence of any stimulation. In the past this has been attributed largely to the properties of the smooth muscle cells. Now it appears that in several organs, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, activity in smooth muscles arises from a separate group of cells, known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which are distributed amongst the smooth muscle cells. Thus in the gastrointestinal tract, a network of interstitial cells, usually located near the myenteric plexus, generates pacemaker potentials that are conducted passively into the adjacent muscle layers where they produce rhythmical membrane potential changes. The mechanical activity of most smooth muscle cells, can be altered by autonomic, or enteric, nerves innervating them. Previously it was thought that neuroeffector transmission occurred simply because neurally released transmitters acted on smooth muscle cells. However, in several, but not all, regions of the gastrointestinal tract, it appears that nerve terminals, rather than communicating directly with smooth muscle cells, preferentially form synapses with ICC and these relay information to neighbouring smooth muscle cells. Thus a set of ICC, which are distributed amongst the smooth muscle cells of the gut, are the targets of transmitters released by intrinsic enteric excitatory and inhibitory nerve terminals: in some regions of the gastrointestinal tract, the same set of ICC also augment the waves of depolarisation generated by pacemaker ICC. Similarly in the urethra, ICC, distributed amongst the smooth muscle cells, generate rhythmic activity and also appear to be the targets of autonomic nerve terminals.

Protein kinase C isoforms in the enteric nervous system

C kinases (PKCs) are a family of enzymes essential for the transduction of signals in a diverse range of cell types, including neurons. The different isoforms vary in their activation requirements. Therefore, cell-specific expression of different isoforms has implications for PKC-mediated control of organ function. This study has investigated the types and distributions of PKC isoforms in the small intestine of the guinea-pig, with particular emphasis on their localisation in myenteric neurons, using immunohistochemistry and western blotting techniques. Three PKC isoforms, gamma, eta and theta, were detected in the calbindin-immunoreactive subset of intrinsic primary afferent neurons, but not in other myenteric neurons. Both gamma and theta immunoreactivities were also located in interstitial cells of Cajal. In contrast to these isoforms, immunoreactivity for PKCs lambda and epsilon was present in all myenteric neurons of the ileum. PKCalpha immunoreactivity was detected primarily in the glial network, as shown through double labelling with antibodies to the glial filament protein, S100b. Myenteric neurons were also weakly immunoreactive for this isoform. PKCdelta immunoreactivity was very highly expressed in smooth muscle, but was largely absent from neurons. Immunoreactivity for RACK1, a binding protein for PKCbeta, was detected in both calbindin-immunoreactive neurons and in smooth muscle cells. This study indicates a selective distribution of PKC isoforms to specific cell types. Isoform-specific activity of these enzymes could provide a means through which targeted modulation of intestinal function is achieved.

Interaction between excitatory and inhibitory metabotropic pathways in the guinea-pig antrum

Intracellular recordings were made from isolated bundles of the circular muscle layer of guinea-pig gastric antrum and the responses evoked by stimulating nitrergic nerve fibres were examined. Nitrergic inhibitory junction potentials (nitrergic-IJPs), evoked by trains of stimuli, had small amplitudes and were associated with a reduction in the rate of occurrence and amplitude of spontaneously occurring depolarizing potentials, termed unitary potentials. Nitrergic-IJPs were abolished either by membrane hyperpolarization or by 4, 4'-diisothiocyano-2, 2'-stilbene disulfonic acid (DIDS); both of these abolished the discharge of unitary potentials. Membrane depolarization increased the rate of discharge of unitary potentials so that they summed to give rise to are generative potential. Nitrergic nerve stimulation abolished regenerative potentials; this inhibition did not result from a change in threshold for the initiation of regenerative potentials,rather it occurred at some stage after the gating process. Inhibitory nitrergic nerve responses were blocked by L-nitroarginine (NOLA) and oxadiazolo quinoxalin-l-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. The observations suggest that the inhibition of regenerative potentials results from an interaction between an inhibitory and an excitatory metabotropic pathway.

Modulation of slow waves by hyperpolarization with potassium channel openers in antral smooth muscle of the guinea-pig stomach

Modulation of spontaneous electrical activities (slow waves, pacemaker potentials and follower potentials) in response to hyperpolarization produced by the ATP-sensitive K+ channel openers (KCOs) pinacidil or nicorandil was investigated in smooth muscle tissues of the guinea-pig stomach antrum. With hyperpolarization, the amplitude of slow waves and follower potentials was reduced and that of pacemaker potentials was increased, with a minor modulation of their frequency. The attenuation of slow waves was associated with an inhibition of the 1st component and abolition of the 2nd component. All these actions of KCOs were antagonized by glibenclamide. An increase in the extracellular K+ concentration prevented the KCO-induced hyperpolarization with partial restoration of slow waves, suggesting that the inhibition was produced mainly by a decrease in membrane resistance. Exposure of tissues to KCOs for a long period of time (> 20 min) resulted in the reappearance of slow waves displaying both 1st and 2nd components. The 2nd component of the slow wave, which displayed a slower recovery, was inhibited again by 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, an inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels. Noradrenaline hyperpolarized the membrane by activating apamin-sensitive K+ channels and increased the amplitude and frequency of slow waves through activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors, actions different from those of KCOs. Thus, inhibition of slow waves by KCOs may be primarily related to the decrease in amplitude of a passive electrotonic component, possibly due to a reduction of the input resistance. The hyperpolarization shifted the threshold potential for generation of the 2nd component of slow waves to negative levels, presumably due to modulation of mitochondrial functions.

Involvement of intramuscular interstitial cells in nitrergic inhibition in the mouse gastric antrum

Intracellular recordings were made from isolated bundles of the circular muscle layer of mouse gastric antrum and the responses evoked by stimulating intrinsic nerve fibres were examined. Transmural nerve stimulation evoked a fast inhibitory junction potential (fast-IJP) which was followed initially by a smaller amplitude long lasting inhibitory junction potential (slow-IJP) and a period of excitation. The excitatory component of the response was abolished by atropine, suggesting that it resulted from the release of acetylcholine and activation of muscarinic receptors. Fast-IJPs were selectively reduced in amplitude by apamin and slow-IJPs were abolished by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine. Slow-IJPs were associated with a drop in membrane noise, suggesting that inhibition resulted from a reduced discharge of unitary potentials by intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC(IM)). The chloride channel blocker, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid, reduced the discharge of membrane noise in a manner similar to that detected during the slow-IJP. When recordings were made from the antrum of W/W(V) mice, which lack ICC(IM), the cholinergic and nitrergic components were absent, with only fast-IJPs being detected. The observations suggest that neurally released nitric oxide selectively targets ICC(IM) causing a hyperpolarization by suppressing the discharge of unitary potentials.

Effects of RHC-80267, an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase, on excitation of circular smooth muscle of the guinea-pig gastric antrum

In small segments of circular smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig gastric antrum, the effects of RHC-80267, an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase, were investigated both on regenerative slow potentials (either occurring spontaneously or as the result of a depolarizing intracellular current injection) and on the actions of acetylcholine (ACh). As diacylglycerol is a known activator of protein kinase C (PKC), it would therefore be expected that RHC-80267 would activate PKC indirectly. In circular smooth muscle bundles, spontaneously generating slow potentials recorded simultaneously from two given cells were synchronized, indicating that these two cells were electrically coupled. RHC-80267 (0.3-1 microM) increased the frequency of slow potential generation, with no alteration to the amplitude of either the slow potentials or the resting membrane potential. Synchronous electrical activity in a given pair of cells was also unchanged by RHC-80267, indicating that intercellular electrical coupling was not altered. The input resistance of smooth muscle cells calculated from the amplitude of electrotonic potentials produced by injection of current was not significantly altered by RHC-80267. The refractory period for the generation of slow potentials evoked by depolarizing stimuli was about 8 s, and it was decreased to about 5 s by RHC-80267, with no significant alteration to the amplitude of spontaneous or evoked slow potentials. ACh (0.5 microM) depolarized the membrane by about 5 mV and increased the amplitude and frequency of slow potentials. The actions of ACh on the frequency of slow potentials were enhanced by RHC-80267, with no alteration to the amplitudes of both the ACh-induced depolarization and slow potentials. These results support the idea that PKC is involved in determining the frequency of slow potentials, by shortening the refractory period for excitation of gastric smooth muscle cells.

Properties of unitary potentials recorded from myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal distributed in the guinea-pig gastric antrum

Intracellular recordings were made from myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) distributed in the guinea-pig gastric antrum to investigate the properties of unitary potentials. In most cells studied, pacemaker potentials with initial fast transient and following plateau components were generated periodically, and intervals between the potentials were quiescent. However, there were few cells (less than 5% of cells examined) which showed discharge of unitary potentials spontaneously in the intervals between pacemaker potentials. The amplitude and frequency of unitary potentials appeared to be random variables, as observed in isolated circular smooth muscle bundles of the guinea-pig gastric antrum. BAPTA-AM (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator) or papaverine (a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor) reduced the discharge frequency of unitary potentials, with associated decrease in the frequency of pacemaker potentials. These agents finally abolished both unitary potentials and pacemaker potentials. In preparations showing no detectable generation of unitary potentials, depolarization of the membrane with high-K solution ([K+]o = 10.6 mM) elicited generation of unitary potentials during intervals between pacemaker potentials. Pinacidil (an opener of K(ATP)-channels) hyperpolarized the membrane and increased the frequency and amplitude of unitary potentials with no alteration to the relationship between the amplitudes of unitary potentials and their half-widths. These results suggest that the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration is causally related to the generation of unitary potentials in pacemaker cells. They are consistent with the proposition that the depolarization produced by a burst of unitary potentials triggers the primary component of pacemaker potentials in ICC-MY, which induces a release of Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive internal stores and then activates Ca2+-sensitive Cl- -channels to form the plateau component. Similarities and differences in unitary potentials between circular muscle and pacemaker cells are discussed.